• Bank Negara Malaysia’s (BNM) international reserves stood at US$102.8 billion as at May 15, 2019 from US$103.4 billion at April 30, 2019 • Tekun Nasional has channelled business financing worth RM140 million since the beginning of this year until April 30, 2019 • Malaysia's labour productivity grows 2.4 per cent in Q1 2019 • Malaysia's CPI rose 0.2 per cent in April 2019 to 121.1 compared to 120.9 in the same month of the preceding year: Department of Statistics Malaysia

A grown up, good looking watch for under US$400?
Monday, May 13th, 2019
at , Life & Art

This has been a great year for interesting new timepieces at a reasonable price point

By Cator Sparks / BLOOMBERG

WHILE it’s common enough to have the goal of owning a seriously high-end watch, it takes time to climb that corporate ladder. But there are a plethora of eye-catching watches that won’t break the bank, and this year has been a particularly good one for new ones. They range from Kennedy-era classics with clean lines to over-the-top designs that are works of art on the wrist. Here is a roundup of the latest interesting offerings under US$400 (RM1,660). — Bloomberg

You can bang it about without any worries

Filson Field Watch
This rugged sportsman’s watch is brand new to the Filson range. It has a stainless steel case, screw-down crown, and its scratch-resistant sapphire crystal allows the wearer to bang it about without any worries. The 36mm case looks great on any wrist size and the Super-Lumi-Nova hands and markers give off a gentle green glow, so you can tell when it’s time to wrap up that nightcap. Price: US$350.

Made from durable aluminium

Timex MK1 Camper Inspired by a style adopted by the US military in the 80s, this black on- black model is made from durable aluminium and comes with a matching grosgrain strap. The light-up dial is handy, too. It’s only available via Mr Porter, and just went online on May 1. Price: US$105.

Available in black, blue or tan

Timex Allied 45mm Tide TempCompass Fabric Strap Watch If you are more adventure prone or at least want people to think you are, the new Timex includes a tide tracker, temperature sensor and electronic compass. Available in black, blue or tan, all have an Indiglo light-up dial and are water resistant to 100m. This one is new this month. Price: US$189.

The on-trend rainbow bezel

Casio G-Shock Rainbow MT-G
While this watch is more than double the price of the rest of our picks, we had to include it simply because of its on-trend rainbow bezel. Available in June, this limited-edition watch is surprisingly lightweight and includes a twoway time sync, and serious solar technology for self-charging capabilities. Price: US$1,000.

This watch will provide a shimmer of hope as it is all about sustainability

111 Watches SWII
If you have been binge watching Our Planet and flipping out over the demise of Earth, this watch will provide a shimmer of hope as it is all about sustainability. It’s solar powered and made of 85% reclaimed materials (the strap of recycled water bottles, the case includes castor bean oil byproduct). It’s also handsome as heck with a matte dial and an orange second hand that gives it a bit of pop. Price: US$75.

Citizen Mickey Mouse

Mickey turned 90 last November, and the merchandise just keeps on coming. Unveiled at the end of 2018 in celebration of the mouse’s natal day and launched on April 1, this unisex watch is a handsome choice with its steel case and mesh bracelet. The eco-drive technology gives a real Epcot vibe, as it enables the watch to be powered by light. No battery required. Price: US$350.

Inspired by the colourful townhouses in Copenhagen’s Nyvan district

Skagen Aaren Kulor Green Silicone
If you are looking to add a little colour to your wardrobe, Skagen has you covered. Inspired by the colourful townhouses in Copenhagen’s Nyvan district, the well-known rainbow watch brand has released a new variety of colours, including yellow, light blue, white, red and orange (what? No millennial pink?). The mid century-themed watches have 41mm aluminium cases with a sandblasted dial and the straps are easy to remove if you want to mix and match with other colours for a real Memphis Design moment. Price: US$95.

It’s fine for a shallow swim

Fossil Minimalist 3-hand
Striped Tan Leather Fossil went simple with this chic watch. The green sunray dial pairs perfectly with the striped tan leather strap. It has a depth rating of 5 ATM (atmospheres), so it’s fine for a shallow swim — just no deep dives at the Maidstone Club. Price: US$115.

Now, you can read the time while driving

Bulova Computron
This one was a favourite from our editor at Basel, and for good reason. This throwback to the 70s has been revamped with modern elements, including dual time zone capabilities. Fun fact: The side facing angle was specifically designed so you can read the time while driving. This one isn’t available until August. Price: US$395.